Keep your wallet closed…

May 3, 2017

The blood red cover and the title of the book, ‘Houd je portemonneetje gesloten’ (translation: ‘Keep your wallet closed’), already intrigue. And also the contents are fascinating. Dutch photographer Charlotte Luijendijk’s (22) final study project at the Willem de Kooning Academy is based on the thousands of euphemisms for the word ‘menstruation’ that exist worldwide. The result: very strong images.

The choice for this subject is no coincidence. ‘The expression ‘Houd je portemonneetje gesloten’ was used in my family. It actually means: watch out for sex. A warning that’s meant more for girls than for boys. With my final study project I want to contribute to social equality between men and women. Female characteristics are valued less in our society. One of these characteristics is menstruation. There’s possibly nothing more female than the monthly bleeding.’

For Luijendijk, it’s also a loaded subject. When her menstruation suddenly stopped last year, it took some effort to be referred to a gynaecologist. ‘After several tests with sometimes contradictory results, I was finally diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Not much is known about the cause of PCOS. I was given a leaflet and some pills. If I would like to have children, I can come back and they’ll start a treatment.’

‘Talking about menstruation isn’t appreciated, let alone showing it. With ‘Houd je portemonneetje gesloten’ I’m hoping to help ending this taciturnity, so the discrimination that’s associated with menstruation will stop.’ Starting point for the photo project were the thousands of euphemisms for menstruation that exist all over the world. ‘The ultimate proof that menstruation is a taboo subject. You won’t find that many synonyms for the word ‘chair’.’

Her personal favourites? ‘Blowjob season – although I don’t see why you can’t have sex on your period – my pussy cat has a nose bleed, too much sauce on the fish taco and your vagina is emo.’ Eventually twelve euphemisms have made it into the book. The photo ‘In the red tent’ is the strongest, according to Luijendijk’s personal opinion. ‘Because of its double meaning. That picture symbolises the banishing of menstruating women which still happens today in Nepal.’

‘Apart from the inconveniences that come with menstruation, the fact that we’re ashamed of it has led to manufacturers not being required to disclose the ingredients of their sanitary products. Because of that, it’s possible that pads and tampons contain stuff that could be dangerous to our body, like chlorine, glue, pesticides and artificial colorants. The possible link between these components and all kinds of gynaecological complaints – and gynaecological conditions in general – hasn’t been researched enough at all.’

Another issue: ‘In Third World countries girls and women are still banished during their menstruation. Or they can’t go to school or work because there’s no sanitation. This literally takes away their chance to participate in normal life during that time of the month.’

Menstrual Hygiene Day in Utrecht (Netherlands)

During Menstrual Hygiene Day – every year on May 28 – worldwide awareness is raised for this problem. This year, for the first time there’ll also be a happening in the Netherlands. ‘During this event in Utrecht, photos from my series will be showed. The plan is that my book and postcards from the series will also be for sale there. All proceeds will go to Simavi, a foundation that invests in clean water, good hygiene, education and safe maternity care. Menstrual hygiene is an important part of their programme.’

Sponsors wanted!

Unfortunately, ‘Houd je portemonneetje gesloten’ by the Rotterdam-based photographer Charlotte Luijendijk is currently only a dummy version. To finance the first edition, sponsors are still needed. So if you want to help a sympathetic and artistic goal… charlotteluijendijk.com